A Boston resident originally from China has been arrested and charged with attempted sex trafficking of a child. Qichen Yuan, 31, was taken into custody after allegedly responding to an online advertisement placed by undercover law enforcement officers on a website frequently used for commercial sex acts.
According to court documents, on August 16, 2025, Yuan engaged in text and phone conversations with an undercover agent posing as a 15-year-old girl. During the exchange, the agent informed Yuan of her age. It is alleged that Yuan replied, “I love you being young lol,” and agreed to pay $250 to have sex with the purported minor.
Authorities say that on August 19, Yuan arrived at a prearranged meeting location. When approached by police in an unmarked vehicle, he reportedly attempted to flee but was apprehended immediately. A search found two condoms in his possession.
The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and could result in up to life imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division, announced the arrest. The Massachusetts State Police and Boston Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings is prosecuting the case.
“If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov,” officials stated.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that brings together federal, state, and local resources to address child sexual exploitation and abuse. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The allegations outlined in court documents have not been proven in court; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
